The Covento de San Gil: From a Convent to the Seat of the Cortes of Castilla-La

The Covento de San Gil, situated in Toledo, Spain, stands as a testament to the city's historical legacy. Initially, it served as the residence of the Dicalced Franciscans, or gilitos, who established it in 1557. In the early 17th century, two brothers, Francisco and Juan de Herrera, donated 16,000 ducats for the construction of the new convent. The Covento de los Gilitos epitomizes the simplicity and sobriety of early 17th-century Toledan architecture.

However, its original purpose didn't endure for long. In 1863, the provincial prison of Toledo was installed there, and it remained until 1931. Subsequently, it was used as a barracks for the Guardia Civil and a fire station. Since 1985, the Covento de San Gil has been the home of the Cortes of Castilla-La Mancha. The building encompasses two areas: the church, which is located on the east facade, and the convent area, dispersed around a courtyard.

Sources: Wikipedia, OpenStreetMap, Wikidata, Wikimedia Commons